GWU takes down SoCon foe Furman, 28-21

Published: Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 10:41 PM.

GWU responded with an 84-yad march in seven plays with Blount punching in from the four. Then after Ivan Toomer’s interception at the Furman 15, Blount scored again to draw GWU within one.

“The real turning point was right there where we had to grit our teeth a lit and try to focus,” said first-year Bulldogs’ coach Carroll McCray. “I thought it was a key that we were able to run the football. We knew we couldn’t just throw, throw, throw.

“But Juanne was able to run in space, and create space, and it showed our linemen were putting a hat on the right people. But it was big to score right there.”

Furman blocked an extra point to keep its lead, but it didn't take long for the ‘Dogs attack again. GWU launched an 88-yard drive with Beatty finding Kenny Cook in the end zone for the second time on the day, this time for a five-yard completion with 9:49 left to take the lead. Beatty also hooked up with Seth Cranfill on the two-point conversion for the 28-21 advantage.

The GWU defense then got the football back on an interception by Chad Geter and the ‘Dogs offense was able to take the clock down on its first win over a SoCon foe since beating Western Carolina in 2009.

“I’m proud of them, it was great to see all the work they put in pay off,” said McCray. “We want to put pride in the red and black colors of the school. We respect Furman and we want to do what we have to earn the respect of other people.”

Furman got a 24-yard touchdown run by Terry Robinson in the first period, then his brother Gary Robinson hauled in a 70-yard pass from Dillon Woodruff as the Paladins built a 14-7 halftime edge.

BOILING SPRINGS – Almost to a man, head coach included, the Gardner-Webb University football team pointed to hard work and sacrifice for the stunning result Saturday night at Spangler Stadium.

GWU put together suffocating defense in the second half and a crisp, balanced offense to rally from a 21-7 deficit and knock off Southern Conference member Furman, 28-21, before an elated home crowd.

“We knew with Furman it would be a dogfight,” Runnin’ Bulldog quarterback Lucas Beatty said, “but from the last game last year, we came back and worked hard. It feels really good.”

The outcome was no fluke. GWU outgained the Paladins 434-213 and ran nearly 40 more offensive plays than the visitors.

Beatty threw for 276 yards and two scores with Juanne Blount chipping in with a career-high 158 rushing yards for the ‘Dogs. The GWU defense didn’t allow Furman consecutive first downs in the final half and only 31 total yards during that time.

“It’s exhilarating,” said linebacker Tanner Burch, who was in on eight stops in the contest. “We worked so hard from the last play last year, and we wanted to get a win so bad versus a good opponent. Being out there in the heat in the summer, it pays off when you win a game like this.”

Perhaps the crucial point of the contest came in the third period. Furman had just scored to lead by 14 after taking possession at the GWU one on an errant snap to the punter.

GWU responded with an 84-yad march in seven plays with Blount punching in from the four. Then after Ivan Toomer’s interception at the Furman 15, Blount scored again to draw GWU within one.

“The real turning point was right there where we had to grit our teeth a lit and try to focus,” said first-year Bulldogs’ coach Carroll McCray. “I thought it was a key that we were able to run the football. We knew we couldn’t just throw, throw, throw.

“But Juanne was able to run in space, and create space, and it showed our linemen were putting a hat on the right people. But it was big to score right there.”

Furman blocked an extra point to keep its lead, but it didn't take long for the ‘Dogs attack again. GWU launched an 88-yard drive with Beatty finding Kenny Cook in the end zone for the second time on the day, this time for a five-yard completion with 9:49 left to take the lead. Beatty also hooked up with Seth Cranfill on the two-point conversion for the 28-21 advantage.

The GWU defense then got the football back on an interception by Chad Geter and the ‘Dogs offense was able to take the clock down on its first win over a SoCon foe since beating Western Carolina in 2009.

“I’m proud of them, it was great to see all the work they put in pay off,” said McCray. “We want to put pride in the red and black colors of the school. We respect Furman and we want to do what we have to earn the respect of other people.”

Furman got a 24-yard touchdown run by Terry Robinson in the first period, then his brother Gary Robinson hauled in a 70-yard pass from Dillon Woodruff as the Paladins built a 14-7 halftime edge.